ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Shri Nitin Gadkari emphasises upon need for reduction in logistic costs to increase exports
Launches study report on Insurance Requirements of the Indian Logistics and Warehousing Industry and their Customers
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shipping, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Nitin Gadkari has said that reduction in logistics cost can substantially increase the country’s exports. He said, the government is concentrating on road improvement, reducing traffic density and introduction of alternative sources of fuels for the transport sector. All highways with over ten thousand PCU road density are being upgraded to four lanes, those with over twenty thousand PCU traffic units to six lanes and those with over thirty thousand PCU to eight lanes.
Launching the joint study report on Insurance Requirements of the Indian Logistics and Warehousing Industry and their Customers in New Delhi today, the Minister informed that his Ministry has understood the need for bioethanol to fully cater to the gasoline blending demands of the nation. There is a potential for producing around 30 billion litres of ethanol annually from surplus agro-residues in the country. He also highlighted the importance of logistics and collection models suited for the country.
The research study has been conducted by Transport Corporation of India and the Insurance Institute of India. It aims at providing an academic base for the Logistics and Warehousing Industry to educate their customers on utilising the full potential of insurance mechanism. It is understood that the report will help the logistics industry to protect their business interests in a better way.
To see a copy of the study report please click the link below.
Ministry of Finance
Second G20 Framework Working Group  Meeting in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, March 24-25, 2023
The Second G20 Framework Working Group  meeting under India’s G20 Presidency is set to take place in Chennai, Tamil Nadu on 24-25 March 2023. Chief Economic Adviser, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, Mr. V Anantha Nageswaran and Ms Clare Lombardelli, Chief Economic Adviser, UK Treasury, will jointly co-chair the meeting. Over 80 delegates from G20 member countries, Invitee Countries, and various International and regional Organizations will participate in this meeting.
The G20 FWG focuses on global macroeconomic issues. Under India’s 2023 G20 Presidency, the Group will be focusing on macroeconomic impacts of food and energy insecurity, climate change and transition pathways. In the Chennai meeting of the FWG, the members will focus on sharing policy experiences on these issues and discuss the way ahead on how FWG discussions can inform the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors who will be meeting in Washington D.C on April 12-13, 2023.
As a prelude to the FWG meeting, the Reserve Bank of India has also been arranging events to make G20 discussions more inclusive and people-centric from March 162023. The Chief Economic Advisor, Dr. Anantha Nageswaran will be engaging with students and faculty of IIT Chennai on March 23, 2023, on the topic “Reflections on India and the World with special focus on India's 2023 G20 Presidency” . On the sidelines of the G20 FWG meeting, a panel discussion on “Macroeconomic impacts of climate change and transition pathways” will be held on March 25, 2023, in collaboration with the UAE who will be holding the COP-28 Presidency, UAE.
The delegates will also be hosted for ‘இரவுஉணவின்போதுஉரையாடல்’ ‘Ratri Bhoj Par Samvad’  to provide an opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu as well as diverse cuisine.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Four New Products get GI Tag
The Geographical Indication  under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade hasrecenly registered 4 new GIs. PalaniPanchamirtham from Palani Town in Dindigul District of Tamil Nadu State, Tawlhlohpuan and Mizo Puancheifrom the state of Mizoram and Tirur Betel leaf from Kerala are the latest additions to the list of registered GIs.
GI is an indication used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. Such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable to its origin in that defined geographical locality.
PalaniPanchamirtham, an abishegaPrasadam, from Palani Town is one of the main offerings in the Abisegam of Lord Dhandayuthapani Swamy, the presiding deity of ArulmiguDhandayuthapaniswamy Temple, situated in palani Hills, Palani Town in Dindigul District of Tamil Nadu. It is a combination of five natural substances, namely, banana, jaggery sugar, cow ghee, honey and cardamom in a definite proportion. It is prepared in a natural method without addition of any preservatives or artificial ingredients and is well known for its religious fervour and gaiety. This is the first time a temple ‘prasadam’ from Tamil Nadu has been bestowed with the GI tag.
Tawlhlohpuan, a medium to heavy, compactly woven, good quality fabric from Mizoram is known for warp yarns, warping, weaving & intricate designs that are made by hand. Tawlhloh, in Mizo language, means 'to stand firm or not to move backward’. Tawlhlohpuan, which holds high significance in the Mizo society, is produced throughout the state of Mizoram, Aizawl and Thenzawl town being the main centre of production.
Mizo Puanchei, a colourful Mizo shawl/textile, from Mizoram, is considered as the most colourful among the Mizo textiles. It is an essential possession for every Mizo lady and an important marriage outfit in the state. It is also the most commonly used costume in Mizo festive dances and official ceremonies. The weavers insert the designs and motifs by using supplementary yarns while weaving to create this beautiful and alluring textile.
Tirur betel vine from Kerala, which is mainly cultivated in Tirur, Tanur, Tirurangadi, Kuttippuram, Malappuram and Vengara block panchayaths of Malappuram District, is valued both for its mild stimulant action and medicinal properties. Even though it is commonly used for making pan masala for chewing, it has many medicinal, industrial and cultural usagesand is considered as a remedy for bad breath and digestive disorders.
GI products can benefit the rural economy in remote areas, by supplementing the incomes of artisans, farmers, weavers and craftsmen. India’s rural artisans possess unique skills and knowledge of traditional practices and methods, passed down from generation to generation, which need to be protected and promoted.The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade has taken several initiatives in this regard and is actively involved in promotion and marketing of GIs.
PIB Headquarters
TN excels in industrial growth for centuries, says Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
Systematic reforms have been taken courageously by the Centre under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi and one such measure is the GST which is the India's biggest economic reform said Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman while addressing the inaugural session of the TN Global Investors Meet 2019 held today in Chennai. . These reforms had made India an ideal destination for those who want to invest, she added.
She appreciated the TN government for bringing a policy on aerospace industry and invited the global trade community to investin these sectors. She assured that Central Govt. will provide all possible support in this regard.
On climate change front, TN has a major contribution through it's wind and solar energy. And because of these sustainable measure TN is being a power surplus state.
While talking about the present industry scenario in the country, she said that India is seen as bright spark all over the world for ease of doing business. She made a note on recent IMF report which says that India's growth will sustain.
The Defence Minister said that Tamil Nadu has been shown interest in industrial growth for centuries. For example, Cholas had taken TN culture all over the world through industrial ties and Poompuhar was one of the popular port of that time
She said that we have lot of trade associations today like CII, Assocham but TN was known for having trade associations even in Chola Period and there are some inscriptions regarding this in various countries like Thailand, Combodia and so on.
She pointed out that Tamil poet Subramania Bharathy had insisted on making business globaly in his writings.
The Minister released the TN Aerospace and Defence Policy and handed over the first copy to TN CM Shri. Edappadi K Palanisamy.
TN Deputy CM Shri O. Paneerselvam, TN Minister for Industries Shri M. C. Sampath and dignitaries from various countries were also present on the occasion.
Ministry of Earth Sciences
The air quality over Delhi-NCT is likely to remain in Moderate category today
The air quality is likely to deteriorate marginally but remain in Moderate to Poor category on 8th & 9th June
According to the National Weather Forecasting Centre of the India Meteorological Department :
Wind Pattern and Ventilation Index Forecast
Air mass inflow forecast in Delhi along with predicted ventilation coefficient and weather forecast is as follows:
- The air quality over Delhi-NCT is likely to remain in Moderate category on 07.06.2021. The air quality is likely to deteriorate marginally but remain in Moderate to Poor category on 08.06.2021 and 09.06.2021. The predominant pollutant will be PM10. The strong surface winds are favorable for raising dust locally and transport of dust from nearby region. The Outlook for subsequent 5 Days: The air quality is likely to remain in
- The predominant surface wind is likely to be coming from West and Southwest directions of Delhi with wind speed 08-18 kmph and partly cloudy sky with possibility of thundery development towards evening on 07.06.2021. The predominant surface wind is likely to be coming from West directions of Delhi with wind speed 15-22 kmph, mainly clear sky and strong surface winds  during the day on 06.2021. The predominant surface wind is likely to be coming from West directions of Delhi with wind speed 18-20 kmph, mainly clear sky and strong surface winds  during the day on 09.06.2021.
- Predicted maximum mixing depth is likely to be approx 3800 m on 07.06.2021 and 4000 m on 06.2021 over Delhi. Maximum Ventilation index is likely to be approx d 34000 m2/s on 07.06.2021and 47000 m2/s on 08.06.2021. The ventilation index lower than 6000 m2/s with average wind speed less than 10 kmph is unfavorable for dispersion of pollutants.
- The strong surface winds are favorable for raising dust locally and transport of dust from nearby region, thereby making PM10 predominant
- Detailed forecast analysis and verification can be seen at https://ews.tropmet.res.in.

Kindly download MAUSAM APP for location specific forecast & warning, MEGHDOOT APP for Agromet advisory and DAMINI APP for Lightning Warning & visit state MC/RMC websites for district wise warning.
Ministry of Defence
ENC CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA
The Eastern Naval Command  organised Yoga Sessions at all stations, units and onboard it's ships to celebrate the International Day of Yoga on 21 Jun 23. Over 13,000 naval personnel, Defence Security Corps, Defence civilians and their family members participated in the event across the Eastern Seaboard. Eastern Naval Command ships on deployment also conducted Yoga both at sea and various ports on the East Coast. The yoga sessions followed the common yoga protocol as prescribed by the Government of India/Ministry of Ayush focusing on the theme of IDY 2023 - 'Yoga for Humanity'.
As part of their routine deployment Eastern Fleet Ships visiting various countries conducted yoga sessions in the foreign ports to promote the benefits of yoga and a healthy lifestyle. INS Shivalik at Jakarta, Indonesia, INS Kiltan at Chattogram, Bangladesh and INS Sumitra at Phuket, Thailand spread awareness about yoga and its benefits among the local communities.
At Vishakhapatnam naval personnel, their families and school children conducted yoga at Naval Dockyard, Kendriya Vidhyalaya, Malkapuram and all residential areas which included Hatha Yoga by Isha Foundation.
At Bheemunipatnam, yoga sessions were conducted at Kalinga Beach, Kendriya Vidhyalaya and Naval KG School. The participants dressed up in Indian Tricolour theme symbolizing yoga as a key element of India's cultural heritage. Yoga camps were also conducted at Spoorthi Orphanage for Children, Goldage home for senior citizens and a school for special children in Visakhapatnam.
Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area alongwith INS Kattaboman witnessed active participation by all ships and units. Banners, posters and yoga charts were displayed to emphasize the importance of yoga in daily life. The event at Chennai was conducted by renowned yoga and wellness training institute, Yoga Darshini and witnessed participation from Naval and CISF personnel along with their families. Whilst at Kattabomman, besides mass yoga, asanas and pranayama were also performed at a height of 450 meters on the Amber Tower. In addition, promotional activities related to yoga such as quizzes, poster competitions, and Q&A sessions were also conducted across naval units and schools.
Prime Minister's Office
PM announces ex gratia from PMNRF for the victims of road accident in Nadia, West Bengal
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from Prime Minister's National Relief Fund  for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the road accident in Nadia, West Bengal. Rs. 50,000 would be given to the injured.
The Prime Minister's Office tweeted;
"The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the road accident in Nadia, West Bengal. Rs. 50,000 would be given to the injured."
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Ministry of Rural Development
|
Mask production initiated in wake of COVID-19 Pandemic under NRLM
More than 132 lakh Face Masks produced by members of SHGs
In response to COVID-19, face mask production has been initiated by Self Help Groups  members in 24 States covering 399 Districts of the country under the Ministry of Rural Development’s National Rural Livelihood Mission .
21,028 members of 4281 SHGs in 5 districts of Andhra Pradesh and 10,780 members of 1927 SHGs in 32 districts of Tamil Nadu produced 25,41,440 and 26,01,735 masks respectively in 10 days. Members of SHGs of various states like Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and many North Eastern states are also involved in producing masks. Total 65,936 SHG members from 14,522 SHGs are involved and together they have manufactured 132 lakh masks.
Details of States with Mask Production is as follows :-
|
|
No
|
|
State
|
|
Date when activity started
|
|
No of Districts
|
|
No of SHGs
|
|
No. of SHG members
|
|
Total Masks produced 
|
|
Date of last reporting
|
|
1
|
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
|
25-Mar
|
|
5
|
|
4,281
|
|
21,028
|
|
25,41,440
|
|
03-Apr
|
|
2
|
|
Bihar
|
|
22-Mar
|
|
34
|
|
271
|
|
1,084
|
|
3,49,517
|
|
03-Apr
|
|
3
|
|
Chhattisgarh
|
|
26-Mar
|
|
24
|
|
932
|
|
2,674
|
|
5,49,712
|
|
02-Apr
|
|
4
|
|
Gujarat
|
|
23-Mar
|
|
33
|
|
367
|
|
1,470
|
|
10,49,319
|
|
03-Apr
|
|
5
|
|
Haryana
|
|
13-Mar
|
|
6
|
|
48
|
|
234
|
|
1,46,800
|
|
02-Apr
|
|
6
|
|
Himachal Pradesh
|
|
25-Mar
|
|
8
|
|
150
|
|
370
|
|
1,00,000
|
|
02-Apr
|
|
7
|
|
Jharkhand
|
|
22-Mar
|
|
21
|
|
131
|
|
394
|
|
3,00,215
|
|
03-Apr
|
|
8
|
|
Karnataka
|
|
23-Mar
|
|
12
|
|
139
|
|
581
|
|
1,56,155
|
|
03-Apr
|
|
9
|
|
Kerala
|
|
15-Mar
|
|
14
|
|
306
|
|
1,570
|
|
15,77,770
|
|
03-Apr
|
|
10
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
19-Mar
|
|
52
|
|
1,511
|
|
4,652
|
|
10,04,419
|
|
31-Mar
|
|
11
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
24-Mar
|
|
25
|
|
602
|
|
2,558
|
|
3,62,332
|
|
03-Apr
|
|
12
|
|
Mizoram
|
|
27-Mar
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
100
|
|
03-Apr
|
|
13
|
|
Nagaland
|
|
28-Mar
|
|
5
|
|
48
|
|
475
|
|
6819
|
|
03-Apr
|
|
14
|
|
Odisha
|
|
20-Mar
|
|
12
|
|
202
|
|
1,388
|
|
2,78,076
|
|
01-Apr
|
|
15
|
|
Puducherry
|
|
17-Mar
|
|
2
|
|
143
|
|
303
|
|
1,20,380
|
|
03-Apr
|
|
16
|
|
Punjab
|
|
21-Mar
|
|
15
|
|
575
|
|
2,536
|
|
2,43,268
|
|
03-Apr
|
|
17
|
|
Rajasthan
|
|
27-Mar
|
|
6
|
|
1,206
|
|
6297
|
|
92,890
|
|
03-Apr
|
|
18
|
|
Sikkim
|
|
31-Mar
|
|
1
|
|
25
|
|
250
|
|
10,000
|
|
03-Apr
|
|
19
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
26-Mar
|
|
32
|
|
1,927
|
|
10,780
|
|
26,01,735
|
|
04-Apr
|
|
20
|
|
Telangana
|
|
18-Mar
|
|
11
|
|
248
|
|
2,480
|
|
5,80,000
|
|
02-Apr
|
|
21
|
|
Tripura
|
|
30-Mar
|
|
4
|
|
45
|
|
173
|
|
4,650
|
|
03-Apr
|
|
22
|
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
|
28-Mar
|
|
49
|
|
968
|
|
2,027
|
|
3,64,894
|
|
03-Apr
|
|
23
|
|
Uttarakhand
|
|
26-Mar
|
|
10
|
|
112
|
|
421
|
|
4,74,490
|
|
03-Apr
|
|
24
|
|
West Bengal
|
|
20-Mar
|
|
17
|
|
284
|
|
2,190
|
|
2,91,794
|
|
03-Apr
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
399
|
|
14,522
|
|
65,936
|
|
1,32,06,775
|
|
Ministry of Defence
Budget for Modernisation of Armed Forces
The details of Budget Estimates , Revised Estimates  and Actual Expenditure  on the modernization  of Armed Forces, under Defence Services Estimates , for the last three years and the current year are as under:-

|
|
Year
|
|
Budget Estimates

|
|
Revised Estimates

|
|
Expenditure

|
|
2016-17
|
|
69,898.51
|
|
62,619.36
|
|
69,280.16
|
|
2017-18
|
|
69,473.41
|
|
68,965.24
|
|
72,732.28
|
|
2018-19
|
|
74,115.99
|
|
73,882.95
|
|
75,900.54
|
|
2019-20
|
|
81,008.57
|
|
--
|
|
19,560.27#
# Expenditure figures are upto May, 2019.
In May 2001, the Defence Industry sector, which was hitherto reserved for the public sector, was opened up to 100% for Indian private sector participation, with Foreign Direct Investment  up to 26% both subject to licensing. Further, Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Ministry of Commerce & Industry has notified revised FDI policy under which FDI is allowed under automatic route upto 49% and beyond 49% through Government route wherever it is likely to result in access to modern technology or for other reasons to be recorded.
During the last three financial years , 149 contracts, have been signed with Indian vendors  and foreign vendors  for capital procurement of defence equipment for Armed Forces.
Government is taking measures for modernization of the Armed Forces, through procurement of new equipment and upgrading of existing equipment and systems. The modernization projects are being progressed as per the approved Capital Acquisition Plans and in terms of the extant Defence Procurement Procedure.
Since the launch of ‘Make in India’ in Sep. 2014, several measures have been taken by the Government to promote indigenous design, development and manufacture of defence & aerospace equipment in the country under ‘Make in India’ by harnessing the capabilities of the public and private sector.
Government has notified the Strategic Partnership ’ Model which envisages establishment of long term Strategic Partnership with Indian entities through a transparent and comparative process, wherein they would tie up with global Original Equipment Manufacturers  to seek technology transfers to set up domestic manufacturing infrastructure and supply chain.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik in a written reply to Shri P. Bhattacharya in Rajya Sabha today.
Nampi/HS
(
Prime Minister's Office
PM addresses 5th International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
“Our response to disaster has to be integrated not isolated”
“Infrastructure is not only about returns but also about reach and resilience”
“Infrastructure must leave none behind”
“Resilience is built in the times between one disaster and another”
“Modern technology with local insights can be great for resilience”
“The commitment of financial resources is key to the success of disaster resilience initiatives”
The Prime MInister, Shri Narendra Modi today addressed the 5th International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure  2023 via a video message.
The Prime Minister said that CDRI arose from a global vision that in a closely connected world, the impact of disasters will not just be local.Therefore, “our response has to be integrated not isolated”, he said. He noted that in just a few years, over 40 countries from advanced and developing countries, large or small or from global South or Global North have become part of the CDRI. He found it encouraging that apart from governments, global institutions, private sectors and domain experts are also involved.
The Prime Minister outlined some priorities for discussion for disaster resilience infrastructure in the context of this year's theme of ‘Delivering Resilient and Inclusive Infrastructure’. The Prime MInister said “Infrastructure is not only about returns but also about reach and resilience. Infrastructure must leave none behind and serve the people even during times of crisis.” The Prime Minister stressed the need for a holistic view of infrastructure as social and digital infrastructure are as important as transport infrastructure.
Along with quick relief, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to focus on early restoration of normalcy too. “Resilience is built in the times between one disaster and another. Studying past disasters and learning lessons from them is the way”, he added.
Shri Modi underlined the intelligent use of local knowledge of building infrastructures that can with-stand disasters. Modern technology with local insights can be great for resilience. Further, if documented well, local knowledge may become a global best practice, the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister noted the inclusive intent of some of the CDRI initiatives. He mentioned the Infrastructure for Resilient Island States initiative or IRIS benefitting many island nations. He remarked on the Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund that was announced last year. This 50 million dollar fund has generated immense interest among developing nations. “The commitment of financial resources is key to the success of initiatives”, the Prime Minister emphasized.
Mentioning India’s G20 presidency, the Prime Minister informed about inclusion of the CDRI in many working groups. ‘The solutions you explore here will receive attention at the highest levels of global policy-making’, he said
Referring to the scale and intensity of the recent disasters like the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, the Prime Minister concluded by underlining the importance of CDRI’s work and its importance.